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The Kiowa Indians first visited this location and used the mineral waters for medical purposes. George Washington Vineyard settled here in the 1870s, taking up a claim originally established by David Rowland. Vineyard dug this well for his home but the mineral-tasting water was not used. He suffered from sore eyes and from ulcers on his legs but was cured by bathing in and drinking the water. The news spread and visitors suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, stomach disorders, and skin diseases began coming to the well. Those seeking treatments often camped along Bean's Creek in their wagons. Soon three hotels and several bath houses opened to serve the increased visitor population. The town of Vineyard was laid out in 1882 and J. H. Grisham opened the first general store. The town later included several churches, a newspaper, school; sawmill, blacksmith shop, and post office. In 1898 the Rock Island Railroad bypassed Vineyard and Sebree community was started (2 miles south). Visitors arriving by train took a hack to the resort. H. F. Stamper and his sons, Clint and H. F. Jr., petitioned the Legislature in 1915 and the name of Vineyard became "Wizard Wells". Sebree was changed to Vineyard. (1980) |
